The NM Public Education Department and the NM Department of Health have collaborated to provide fun and interactive age-appropriate lesson plans that address basic infection control. We hope you will provide your students at least one opportunity to learn about infection control.

All lesson plans include:

nLesson plan outline

nApproximate time required

nMaterials list

nHealth Education Standards met

nDiscussion points

nTeacher’s notes

nSupporting resources

Upon completion of a lesson plan, students will be able to:

1. Identify three reasons why some germs, pathogens and viruses are bad for people.
2. Explain how easily germs, pathogens and viruses are transmitted. 
3. List two ways to protect themselves from germs, pathogens and viruses

For students: Grade K - 6 
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Lesson Plan#1: Pass the Germs

This fun and interactive lesson visually illustrates how germs/pathogens/ viruses can be spread to help students understand the concepts of transmission and prevention. The lesson plan provides students an opportunity to work with other students, to practice following directions and to use communication skills. For the younger students, the lesson plan provides an opportunity to practice writing their name, writing and using numbers and recognizing their colors.

Lesson Plan #2: Mapping infection Transmission

Using a story and mapping techniques, this lesson illustrates how germs, pathogens and viruses may not show symptoms and how easily they can be spread, which helps students to understand the concepts of transmission and prevention. The lesson plan provides students an opportunity to practice following directions, listening comprehension, communication skills and to use logic.

For students: Grade 7 - 12
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Lesson Plan #1: Hidden Danger

This lesson plan visually illustrates how a person carrying potential germs, pathogens and viruses may not show symptoms. The lesson plan provides students an opportunity to work with other students, practice following directions and using communication skills.

Lesson Plan #2: How Safe Are You?

This fun and interactive lesson plan uses glitter to visually track the spread of germs, pathogens and viruses among the student population and within the classroom, which helps students to understand the concepts of transmission and prevention. The lesson plan provides students an opportunity to practice following directions, using communication skills and logic, practice in supporting a team by contributing to the discussion, listening to others’ ideas, discussing a variety of views, and helping the team develop a consensus.